Survivor Advocate

University-System-of-New-Hampshir; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 48,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University System of New Hampshire seeks a Survivor Advocate to support UNH community members affected by sexual violence, relationship abuse, stalking, and harassment. The role emphasizes trauma-informed, power-conscious practices and coordinating the SHARPP Center helpline with student advocates.

Responsibilities include one-on-one advocacy, safety planning, and assisting with Title IX and related processes, as well as community engagement and staff training under the Assistant Director of

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field.
• 24 years of experience in interpersonal violence advocacy or related fields.
• Confidentiality training or ability to obtain NH RSA 173:C within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one advocacy to students, faculty and staff who have experienced interpersonal violence.
• Coordinate SHARPP Centers 24/7 helpline coverage and supervise the pool of Peer Advocates.
• Maintain confidential records and participate in case review meetings.
• Assist with community engagement and training efforts for prevention and safety planning.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Trauma-informed care

Crisis counseling

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelors degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field

Job description

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Advocacy, the Survivor Advocate is the primary staff member responsible for meeting with individuals in the UNH community impacted by sexual violence, relationship abuse, stalking, and harassment. The Survivor Advocate is expected to identify and provide relevant services using trauma-informed and power-conscious frameworks. The Survivor Advocate also coordinates coverage of the SHARPP Center’s 24/7 helpline and assists with the training of the SHARPP Center’s pool of undergraduate student advocates.Duties/ResponsibilitiesConfidential Advocacy Services (65%)Provide one-on-one, remote and in-person advocacy to students, faculty and staff who have experienced interpersonal violence at all UNH campuses:Assess and identify culturally relevant and appropriate services based on individual needs and experiencesProvide general emotional support and validation, trauma education, and crisis counseling as neededCollaborate with survivors to create individualized emotional and physical safety plans.Provide accompaniment, transportation, and support to survivors as needed during meetings, appointments, and proceedings related to university conduct, civil, and criminal justice processes, including protective order hearings and Title IX investigationsProvide accompaniment, transportation, and support to survivors as needed during medical examinations, such as sexual assault forensic exams at local hospitals.Identify and facilitate appropriate referrals to university and community-based resources.Participate in biweekly SHARPP Center case review team meetings led by the Assistant Director of AdvocacyMaintain confidential records of services as required by grant funding.Advocate Management and Helpline Coordination (25%)Mange the pool of on-call Peer Advocates, a group of 10-15 undergraduate student volunteers providing basic advocacy services after hours on the SHARPP Center helpline, including:Providing individual feedback and yearly reviews as required by funding and program standardsFacilitating monthly peer advocate group meetings to support group dynamics, peer-to-peer relationships, and address secondary trauma and burnoutArranging continuing education opportunities to comply with statutory requirementsMaintaining detailed peer advocate files and volunteer records to ensure compliance with funding requirements and program standardsCreate volunteer engagement and recognition initiatives to support morale and retention of Peer AdvocatesCoordinate coverage of the SHARPP Center’s 24/7, 365 confidential helpline as required by funding and program standards:Communicate with Peer Advocates and oversee shift signups to ensure adequate coverage on helplineMaintain accurate on-call coverage calendarCommunicate coverage schedules as needed with SHARPP Center staff, advocates, and call centerSupport the Assistant Director of Advocacy with recruiting, interviewing, and training efforts for new Peer Advocates.Community Engagement (10%)Under the leadership and guidance of the Assistant Director of Engagement & Prevention, assist with community engagement efforts, such as:Facilitating interactive community tabling, SHARPP 101 and SHARPP Jeopardy presentationsCreating and implementing new survivor-centered and trauma-informed engagement efforts & activitiesDesigning and implementing advocacy-related materials such as social media posts, website content, resource cards, and brochuresAssisting with SHARPP Center events and initiatives such as Take Back the Night and End-of-Year Celebration as neededBuild and maintain intentional partnerships and collaborations with UNH community members, departments, and student organizations to support referrals and resource utilizationSupport other projects, events, and initiatives within the Division of Student Life as neededRequirementsMinimum Acceptable Education & Experience:Bachelor’s Degree social work, psychology, criminal justice or related field.2-4 years of experience working in interpersonal violence advocacy or related experience with public health, prevention, trauma-informed care, or mental healthRequired Licenses & Certifications:Confidentiality under NH RSA 173:C (30+ hours of training by a New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence crisis center) or ability to obtain within 30 days of hireValid driver’s licenseKnowledge, Skills & Abilities:Understanding of interpersonal violence and its impact on survivorsExceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skillsExcellent judgment; ability to deal with sensitive issues, maintain confidentiality, and navigate clients experiencing emotional escalationAbility to develop and implement strong organizational systemsExperience working and building rapport with individuals from diverse backgroundsAbility to work some nights and weekendsOther Requirements:Successful completion of background check and motor vehicle records check requiredPreferred Qualifications:Master’s degree, preferably in human services, social work, higher education, public health, gender studies, or another related fieldWorking knowledge of interpersonal violence, Title IX, Clery Act, and other related statutesExperience supporting individuals in a one-on-one capacityExperience working with college studentsExperience navigating complex systems (ex. legal/judicial, medical, and Title IX)Applicant Instructions:Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents)Resume/CVCover LetterApplications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.EEO StatementThe University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.Compensation Pay Range:$47,920.00 - $85,410.00The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human ResourcesLocation:Durham